CHESHIRE firefighters are concerned they are not insured if they become victims of a terrorist attack.

A firefighter, who does not wish to be named, told the Pioneer this week: 'We are becoming increasingly concerned that, after receiving training on the Government-supplied equipment for dealing with mass decontamination of casualties in the event of a terrorist attack, we have been told that we are not covered for insurance purposes should we become victims ourselves.

'This matter has been raised with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as it is a matter of national importance.

'The Government is clearly not addressing the issue of insurance for firefighters who are supposed to respond following a terrorist attack.'

Dave Williams, Cheshire secretary of the Fire Brigades' Union (FBU), said: 'In the small-print of some insurance policies, firefighters are not covered for injury or fatality during war, an act of God or terrorist incidents.

'If there is a get-out clause, insurance companies will get out.

'This whole issue came to a head when firefighters in Essex refused to continue their training because they realised they were not insured.'

FBU general secretary Andy Gilchrist has since written to Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott.

Mr Gilchrist said: 'I am highlighting the urgency of this since members and their families remain vulnerable.

'In the absence of any positive action, at its meeting on Monday the executive council will consider all actions.'

Mr Gilchrist refers to a simple solution which the Government could introduce. He said: 'It concerns a compensation scheme for death or serious injury on duty.

'Both the employers and Government agreed to this years ago and the Government produced a draft scheme.

'Amendments were required to that draft but a final scheme has never been produced or given statutory backing.'

Mr Williams added: 'It's going to be a difficult decision when our members are balloted on this on Monday. If a firefighter dies or is injured, his or her family will suffer financially.

'I hope sense will prevail and the Government will resolve the matter and give assurances within the next few weeks.'

A spokesman for the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister said: 'It is still emerging as to what the full extent of the picture is.'